Ayrshire business event shows local companies’ enthusiasm for opportunities from major data centre project
The developer behind plans for a major data centre at Hunterston says Ayrshire companies are very keen to take advantage of the opportunities the project presents, following a major trade fair in Kilmarnock today (Wednesday, September 30).
Eneus Energy was one of over 90 firms exhibiting at the Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce’s B2B event at Kilmarnock’s Park Hotel and the company’s development director UK & Europe, Alan Mortimer was impressed by the level of interest from other businesses.
“It was an excellent event and a great opportunity for us to speak to local companies to make them aware of the opportunities our £10 billion investment in Ayrshire should bring,” said Mr Mortimer.
“There was so much interest in what we are trying to do, and we’re very grateful to the Ayrshire Chamber for organising such a positive event. We made contact with lots more local companies in the supply chain who are keen to work with us, so there is plenty of work for us to be getting on with to fulfil our promise to bring significant benefits to the local economy.
“It’s very clear there is tremendous appetite from local businesses to take full advantage of what we are offering, and that’s great news for local jobs, but as our planning application is still in preparation we are taking nothing for granted,” he added.
Before the event, Eneus Energy had already been in contact with over 100 local companies and expects the construction programme to sustain an average workforce of 800, peaking at 1,400. Once operational, it is anticipated the data centre will support 300 to 400 permanent, high-quality on-site roles, spanning electrical and mechanical engineering, logistics, and security.
“We are committed to playing a central role in Ayrshire’s future economic health and meeting people face-to-face at today’s event has been a very important part of the process,” said Mr Mortimer.
John Tierney, Business Development Manager for Kilmarnock-based communications and security services company ZE Global, said: “I found the event incredibly useful to discuss the data centre project with Eneus. Early engagement with the local supply chain is really important for companies like ours, particularly when looking at how we can support major projects with specialist fire and security solutions. We look forward to continuing the engagement as the project progresses.”
Eneus is already working with Ayrshire College, Hub South West and Skills Development Scotland to design apprenticeship pathways for roles the campus will need, and a long-term community investment framework will support community-led priorities to build a lasting legacy.
Robert King, managing director of Kilmarnock-based civil engineering specialists Robert King Civils, who also attended the recent consultation event in West Kilbride, said: "We need companies like Eneus to invest in Ayrshire and it is very good that they are speaking to local businesses like ours about the opportunity the Hunterston data centre presents.
"As a Kilmarnock-based business with a long track record of delivery for major construction projects, we certainly hope we can contribute to the project, but we're taking nothing for granted," he added.
The project, on land owned by the Hunterston Estate is currently undergoing a detailed Environmental Impact Assessment and a planning application is expected to be submitted towards the end of the year.
A small protest took place outside the venue, and Eneus took the chance to speak to those who remain opposed to the project. “The protest was peaceful and we very much welcome the engagement with people who are opposed to our plans because that way we are able to make sure our project is as good as it can be,” said Mr Mortimer.
Note: More information about the Hunterston data centre plan can be found here: https://eneusenergy.com/hunterston